The most expensive part of taking a vacation is undoubtedly the cost of a plane ticket. With fuel prices rising and airlines adding a la cart fees for baggage and food, be prepared to do lots of research before you book. You'll need to be flexible in your planning to secure cheap airline tickets, but a few key tricks can really pay off.
Check courier firms for discounted flights. Many courier firms offer cheap airline tickets in exchange for hold-luggage space. The only stipulation is that the purchaser must turn up in time at the airport and pack only carry-on luggage. Last-minute tickets can be incredibly cheap, even free, if the company trusts the purchaser and is desperate for the hold space.
Check a range of travel websites for a bargain flight. There are a number of price comparison websites that collate the cheapest flights to any given destination. Use a number of websites, as some discounted flights may only appear on a few comparison sites. Don't forget to check the airline-owned websites as sometimes there are deals that are only accessible when booked with them directly.
Scan the local newspapers or circulars of ethnic neighborhoods to find cheap deals on flights. Most foreign airlines sell cheaper tickets to foreign nationals in so-called "bucket shops," which are small independent travel agencies. For example, a Chinese airline may advertise and sell discounted tickets to Shanghai in the Chinatown area of a large city. Speaking the language is an advantage here, but not absolutely necessary.
